Recent online claims that Algerian Olympic boxer Imane Khelif has been banned for life by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), stripped of her medals, and ordered to return $25 million in prize money are entirely false. These assertions have been debunked by multiple reputable sources, including the WBO itself
False Reports Circulating Online
In October 2024, a fabricated story began circulating on social media, alleging that the WBO had recognized Khelif as male, leading to her lifetime ban and the forfeiture of her Olympic gold medal and prize money. This misinformation was propagated by unreliable websites and gained traction online. However, the WBO swiftly addressed these rumors.
WBO’s Official Response
Gustavo Olivieri, legal counsel for the WBO, categorically denied these claims, stating that the organization had “not tested, nor had it banned” Khelif and that “any report stating otherwise is obviously fake and ill-intentioned.” He further clarified that the WBO has “no communication” with Khelif and, as she is an amateur boxer, the WBO lacks jurisdiction over her career. Therefore, it has no authority to strip her of medals or impose bans.
Khelif’s Olympic Participation and Gender Eligibility
Imane Khelif, born female and holding a female passport, competed in the women’s welterweight division at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she secured a gold medal. Her participation came after a previous disqualification from the 2023 Women’s World Boxing Championships by the International Boxing Association (IBA) due to alleged gender eligibility issues. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) later criticized the IBA’s decision as “sudden,” “arbitrary,” and lacking “due process,” allowing Khelif to compete in the Olympics.
Khelif’s Response to Misinformation
Following her Olympic victory, Khelif faced a wave of online harassment and false accusations regarding her gender identity. In response, she filed a criminal complaint in France against individuals responsible for the smear campaign, citing “moral harassment.” Khelif has consistently affirmed her identity, stating, “I want to tell the entire world that I am a female, and I will remain a female.
Conclusion
The claims about Imane Khelif’s lifetime ban, loss of medals, and forfeiture of prize money are baseless and have been thoroughly debunked by credible sources. Khelif remains an Olympic gold medalist in good standing, and the WBO has no authority over her amateur boxing career. It’s essential to rely on verified information and be cautious of misinformation circulating online.
